Frankly Speaking – June 17, 2016

Since last time tragedy has hit our country once again: the Orlando, Florida mass shooting with so many deaths and so many others recovering from wounds… not-even-mentioning the countless affected by the emotional fallout, a two-year boy attacked by an alligator and drowned. Then we now have the national political scene that has taken a surreal-reality for our country. Remember that November voting arrives sooner than we realize, the results we live with for at least four years. Wow. Can someone call “time-out” on all this so we can catch a breath from the stomping of our hearts?

When I see and hear so much of the aforementioned, I ask: Where is God in the midst of this?

I believe that God weeps when we do from senseless tragedy and painful, grief stricken events. God yearns for the Shalom that too often is not invited in one’s life, and I believe that saddens God. The relationship God seeks comes with a great price for those who seek to do their will and not God’s, who want to inflict hurt and fear and maybe a write a sentence or two in the pages of our history. Where is God?
God is prompting each member of humanity to say yes; to seek righteousness (a right relationship) with Him and others, and to acknowledge that when our mortal lives are such finite, we can believe in the infinite and live for that.

I do not always understand why such events occur? I can be quick to judge, assess blame, maybe even say that something chemically was wrong? Or, have we forgotten that Jesus said there is “thief that will seek, to kill and even destroy.” (John 10:10) Lest we forget the other part of that scripture text, “I (Jesus) came that they (you and me) can have real and eternal life, more and better than they ever dreamed of.” (Message paraphrase)

Folks, events affect us. God defines us. You are a child of God and are of sacred worth, regardless. Believe. Have Hope. Pray without ceasing. Call upon God and He will answer. If you need to, get mad at God . Seek Shalom.

Blessings from Duncanville,
Pastor Frank

PS: Our youth are heading out to a week-long mission trip on Sunday. VBS is finishing tonight. Kuddos to Angie Bilbrey, Linda Elms and the army of volunteers to make this happen. Soli Deo Gloria